Frequency of Raised Serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Levels Among Stroke Patients at A Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objective:  To determine the frequency of raised serum C-reactive protein levels among stroke patients at a tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods:  This was a descriptive cross-sectional study designed to estimate the frequency of raised serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels among stroke patients. The study was not intended to establish causal relationships. A descriptive cross-sectional case series study was conducted at the Department of Neurology, Nishtar Medical University Hospital, Multan, from 26-10-2018 to 26-04-19. A total of 85 stroke patients were enrolled. Once registered in the study, a 3 ml venous blood sample was drawn in a sterilized syringe under aseptic conditions and sent to the Central Laboratory of the hospital for serum CRP levels. Data was entered and analyzed by the computer program SPSS version 26.

Results:  Out of 85 patients, 54 (63.5%) were male, and 55 (62.4%) were above 55 years. Serum CRP levels were raised in 46 (54.1) patients. CRP has a significant association with age >55 years (p=0.007), rural residence (p=0.048), hypertension (p=0.001), and diabetes (p=0.001. Whereas other variables showed no statistically significant correlation.

Conclusion:  A very high frequency of raised serum C-reactive protein (CRP) was observed among stroke patients in our study. Raised CRP was significantly associated with hypertension, diabetes, age, and residential status. All clinicians who care for this type of patient should regularly monitor serum C-reactive protein levels, since this monitoring contributes to a better clinical evolution, favoring the prognosis and functional stability of the patient.